Governor Appoints New Member to Oregon Tourism Commission

SALEM, Ore., Oct. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor John Kitzhaber has appointed Kenji Sugahara to the Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon).  Made up of nine members, the Commission provides expertise and sets policy direction for Travel Oregon staff.  

"The tourism industry generates $9.6 billion in economic impact in Oregon and supports nearly 94,000 jobs," the Governor said. "Appointing Kenji to the Oregon Tourism Commission will help carry forward the intensive state effort to help tourism grow and thrive, which is good for all sectors of Oregon's economy."

Sugahara is the Executive Director of Oregon Bicycle Racing Association and a member of the Oregon Scenic Bikeway Committee and the Oregon Bicycle Tourism Partnership, among others.  He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Oregon School of Law and currently resides with his family in West Salem.   

"I am honored to be appointed to this amazing commission, and I am looking forward to working with the other commissioners and Travel Oregon to inspire people from all over the world to visit and enjoy the wonders of our state," said Sugahara. "I am keenly interested in supporting tourism, which has such a positive economic impact on all of Oregon, from the smallest towns, like Ukiah, to our largest city, Portland.  We have so much to offer visitors, with our abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, our rich cultural heritage, our deep culinary riches and our stunning natural beauty. "

Karen Utz, the owner of the Black Walnut Inn in Dundee, currently serves as Chair on the Oregon Tourism Commission, with Alana Hughson, President & CEO of the Central Oregon Visitors Association, serving as Vice-Chair.

"Tourism is a crucial component of healthy business development and economic impact in Oregon, as it generates revenue in every corner of the state," said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon. "We are pleased to welcome Kenji to the Oregon Tourism Commission. The Governor has selected someone who brings not only a cycling perspective to the commission, but experience with rural Oregon, international media and transportation issues." 

To learn more about the Oregon Tourism Commission go to Industry.TravelOregon.com.

The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors' experience by providing information, resources and trip planning tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality of Oregon. The commission improves Oregonians' quality of life by strengthening economic impacts of the state's $9.6 billion tourism industry that employs nearly 94,000 Oregonians. www.TravelOregon.com

SOURCE Travel Oregon

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED